The
United States has a unique system of education that may differ from
what you're accustomed to. Understanding the structure of the U.S.
system will help you when you begin your journey into higher education.Definitions
Primary school: Kindergarten plus the first three years of education.
Elementary school: The first four to eight years of education. The fifth and sixth year are often referred to as middle school, while the seventh and eighth year are called junior high.
High school: The last four years of education. The first year in high school is called the freshman year. The next years, in order, are sophomore, junior, and senior.
Process
Before applying to college, U.S. students must complete 12 years of education at the primary, elementary, and high school levels. During that time, they are tested in the areas of reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and other subject areas to ensure they are learning the appropriate knowledge and skills to move on to higher education or a full-time job or training course after high school graduation.
U.S. high school students often begin the college search process the year before they graduate, the junior year. They determine what type of field they'd like to work in and visit college campuses to find the school that best meets their educational and living environment needs.
The course load at U.S. universities is heavy, and students have to devote a large number of hours to study. In most programs of study, students will be required to complete a certain number of hours in general studies, such as math, science, English, and history. After obtaining these credits, students move on to coursework more focused on their major. This method of working toward a bachelor's degree helps ensure students receive a well-rounded education.
To aid in getting a full-time job after college graduation, students often participate in cooperative education programs or internships. Co-ops and internships allow students to gain on-the-job experience in a field they'd like to enter upon college graduation. Students begin looking for a full-time job during their junior or senior year of college.
